Monterey Bay

Monterey County's best New Year's events

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Monterey County! For a list of ways to ring in 2013 click here! Still trying to figure out what to do this New Year's Eve? Wherever you are in Monterey County, there's something to keep you busy.

The biggest family-friendly event in town is, without a doubt, First Night Monterey. The party takes place all over Old Monterey and runs from 3 pm until just after midnight. Kids can participate in arts and crafts and the big New Year's Eve parade at 6 pm, and there's plenty of performances to keep grownups happy too. Become their Facebook fan to keep up with all the latest developments, and see our Insider's Guide to First Night Monterey for tips on how to get the most out of the night! The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Silver Fishes and New Year's Wishes is a truly unique party for grownups only. There are live bands, a DJ, a complimentary champagne toast, party favors, and exclusive lounges and cocktail deals for VIPs. The event runs from 9 pm to 1 am. Standard tickets are $75 for Aquarium members and $95 for the general public; VIP tickets are $150 for Aquarium members and $175 for the general public. Buy tickets at the official Silver Fishes & New Year Wishes page. Seeking something more intimate or closer to home? Our Monterey County New Year's Celebrations page has the inside scoop on parties in Carmel, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Marina, Salinas, Carmel Valley and Monterey ranging from budget-conscious to ultimate splurges. The New Year's events don't end on New Year's Eve! Commit to your New Year's resolutions with the Rio Grill Resolution Run, bright and early at 9 am on New Year's Day. That evening, continue the family-friendly celebration with the Salinas First Fridays Art Walk